Teacher Looking at Feral Hog Hide, tstinson 2006.

R.E.A.L Teacher workshop, L.Saenz, 2006.

Teachers Looking at a Bobcat Skin, T.Stinson 2006.

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Complex partners with The Region III Education Service Center to conduct a teacher workshop and offer outreach to teachers in the tri-county area. Refuge environmental education staff participated in the Regional Excellence through Academic Leadership Conference (R.E.A.L.) on August 10, 2006. A refuge information booth offered over 600 participants the opportunity to find out about education and outreach resources available at the Refuge Complex. Attendees received flyer, brochures, and contact information. The Refuge presented an Environmental Education Teachers Workshop intitled, "Science in the R.E.A.L. World". Teachers participated in hands-on investigations, and explored models/replicates that demonstrated the mission of U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and The National Wildlife Refuge System. Teachers were able to view a slide show of the environmental education learning opportunities available to visiting groups. Examples were given of how students could experience real science by doing the same sampling techniques as the a refuge biologist. Teachers learned what training was needed to become an employee of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and how a field trip to the Refuge Complex could spark an interest in science careers. Teachers were given examples of how the Refuge is working with partners to enstill a sense of wonder in the youth of today. Through teacher workshops and environmental education outreach the Refuge Complex can continue to foster a sense of stewardship. Thirty-two teachers attended the workshop and over 500 teachers and administrators visited the information booth. We hope to continue to partner with Region III offering valuable resources to our teachers which will positively impact the importance of conservation and benefit our natural resources.